CSOs condemn move by MPs to oppose pay cut on their salaries.

 The Civil Societies Organizations in Kisumu led by Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative {TEAM} Executive Director George Collins Owuor{2nd R} addressing the press in Kisumu on Thursday where they have condemned a move by a section of Members of Parliament who have opposed  their proposed salaries and pay cut by SRC.-Photo By Dickson Odhiambo.

By Dickson Odhiambo.

August 24, 2017.

CSOs condemn move by MPs to oppose pay cut on their salaries.

THE Civil Societies Organizations in Kisumu County have vehemently condemned a move by a section of Members of Parliament who are opposed to the proposed salaries and pay cut by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

The 21 Civil Societies Organizations term the move by a section of the lawmakers as wanton greed and untimely demand especially at this time when the cost of living is high.

Addressing the press in Kisumu on Thursday, the CSOs led by Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative {TEAM} Executive Director George Collins Owuor said the MPs should instead address the issue of human rights concerns that has engulfed the country after the August 8 polls other than opposing the issue of their proposed salaries and pay cut by the salaries and remuneration commission.

They recommend that the lawmakers should gracefully accept the new proposed salaries and the pay cut by the SRC.

They argue that this will be able to foster social justice as well as narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor in the various parts of the country.

The CSOs at the same said that due to human rights violations witnessed recently in Kisumu after the August 8 polls, they demand an immediate cease of the use of excessive force by the police including the withdrawal of live bullets in dealing with concerned communities.

“Further, the police should stop the forceful breaking and entering into homes as Kenyans demand a police service and not a police force,” they say.

They further demand the immediate arrest of the police officers who have been alleged to have clobbered Baby Samantha Pendo who has since died after being in a coma.

It is alleged that anti-riot broke into Baby Pendo’s house in Nyalenda and clobbered her while with the family at home, a claim which police have vehemently denied.

They further demand that police exercise restraint in their handling of communities and ensure they bridge the gap between them and enhance partnership.

“While we appreciate the use of force to protect life and property, under any circumstances, is no justification to kill.No property is worth even a single human life,” they add.

They also advocate for the media to be allowed to do their professional work without interference from any quarters while intimidating them in the line of their duties.

The CSOs further urged Kenyans to be very responsible in their use of social media and stop engaging in acts of hate speech, adding that the National Cohesion and integration Commission should seriously monitor misuse of social media to propagate hate speech and arrest the culprits.

Some of the CSOs who addressed the press include  Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative {TEAM, HAKI Africa, Sitarusha Mawe, Amazon Theatre,KADDNET, Interpaties Youth Forum, Kisumu Arts Ensemble, Kisumu Muslims Association, Transparency International, Nyando Community Action Group,Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, BAFOPE among others.

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